Description
This Best Meatball Sub recipe features juicy homemade beef meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, nestled into toasted sub rolls with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned and broiled to golden perfection, this classic sandwich delivers comforting Italian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1.5 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix and Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Then, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure an even, golden crust forms. This step seals in juices and adds flavor. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer in Marinara: Pour the marinara or pasta sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and let them simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- Prepare and Toast Rolls: While the meatballs simmer, split the sub rolls and optionally spread butter inside. Toast the rolls under the broiler in your oven until they are golden and crisp, giving the sandwich a satisfying crunch.
- Assemble Subs: On the bottom halves of each toasted roll, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Arrange about 5 hot meatballs on each roll, spoon some extra marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Broil and Serve: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler again and heat just until the cheese melts and turns lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil if using, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Using fresh herbs for garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
- Sub rolls can be buttered before toasting for extra richness.
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for more flavor.
- Covering the skillet during simmering helps retain moisture, but an uncovered simmer will thicken the sauce.
